Published: August 03, 2008 03:21 am            

How we live our lives day to day

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

— William A. Ward



My husband has had this wonderful piece for several years. We hung it in our kitchen to remind us every day what the Lord says to us.

Several years ago, I put it in this column. Here it is again, dear friends, and I hope you will make a copy of it as we did.

This wonderful prayer has an unknown author. It is entitled “Mental or Conversational Prayer.”

“You do not have to be clever to please me. All you have to do is to want to love me. Just speak to me as you would to anyone of whom you are very fond. Are there any people you want to pray for? Say their names to me and ask me as much as you like. I am generous, and know all needs, but I want you to show your love for them and me by trusting in me do what I know is best.

“Tell me about the poor, the sick, and the sinners, and if you have the friendship or affection of any one, tell me about it too.

Is there anything you want for your soul? If you like you can write out a long list of all your needs, and come and read it to me. Tell me of the things you feel guilty about. I will forgive you if you will accept it.

“Just tell about your pride, your touchiness, self-centeredness, meanness and laziness. I still love you in spite of these. Do not be ashamed. There are many saints in heaven who have had the same faults as you. They prayed to me and little by little, their faults were corrected.

“Do not hesitate to ask me for blessings for the mind and body: for health, memory, and success. I can give everything needed to make souls holler for those who truly want it.

“What is it you want today? Tell me, for I long to do you good. What are your plans? Tell me about them. Is there anyone you want to please: What do you want to do for them?

:And don’t want to do anything for me? Don’t you want to do a little do a little good to the souls of your friends who have forgotten me? Tell me about your failures, and I will show you the cause of them. What are your worries? Who has caused you pain? Tell me about it and add that you will forgive, and be kind to him, and I will bless you.

“Are you afraid of anything? Have you any tormenting, unreasonable fears? Trust yourself to me. I am here. I see everything. I will share you happiness with me: Tell me what happened since yesterday to cheer and comfort you. Whatever it was, however big, small, I prepared it. Show me your gratitude and thank me.

“Are temptations bearing heavily upon you? Yielding to temptations always disturbs the peace of your soul. Ask me, and I will help you overcome them.

“Well, go along now. Get on with you work or play, or other interests. Try to be quieter, humbler, more submissive, kinder: and come back soon and bring me a more devoted heart. Tomorrow I shall have more blessings for you.”

        

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